Ceremonies pay tribute to victims of 9-11 terror attack

Wednesday marked 12 years since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. All across the Ozarks people held special remembrance ceremoies and vowed to never forget.

The ceremony at College of the Ozarks has become an annual tradition meant to pay tribute to lives lost in the attack, including the son of Ron and Lucy Willett. John Willett, 29, worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and was on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center.

"It gives people a chance to reflect on what happened," said Jerry Davis, the President of College of the Ozarks.

The Willetts stood nearby as a 9-11 flag was raised in honor of their son and the nearly 3,ooo other victims.

"That teaches these young people who are participating what that was all about and why our country needs to be on guard," Davis said.

At the College of the Ozarks ceremony, children lead the pledge of allegiance. While in Springfield, high schoolers at Hillcrest paused to pay tribute as well. This year's high school seniors were in kindergarten when terror attack happened.

"I think I was five or six, pretty young. I remember my mom coming to pick me up from school and saying, 'There's been an attack,'" said Taylor Ford, a JROTC member.

The Junior ROTC members who lead the ceremony said their tribute was not only a reminder of the tragedy, but also a chance to remember the importance of standing united.